By Everette L., Grade 8
A Journey to the Center of the Earth
“Journey to the Center of the Earth” is both a classic piece of science fiction and a key piece within the genre like many of Verne’s other works which earned him the title “Father of Science Fiction” along with others such as H.G. Wells. This would make him one of the most famous and important Sci-Fi writers in human history. Filled with action and adventure, it follows our trio of explorers as they journey through another world miles beneath our feet. The story is filled with adventure that keeps you on your feet, and is enhanced with such scientific detail that the whole premise actually seems plausible.
The story focuses on Axel, our main protagonist, whose uncle is a Mineralogy Professor at Johannaeum. They stumble upon an Icelandic transcript from the famous scientist Arne Saknussem. After translating it, they find it to be instructions on how to reach the center of the earth. In his scientific zeal, the professor makes preparations immediately for the journey and brings a more hesitant Axel along with him. In Iceland they meet Hans, a local guide designated to accompany them on their scientific journey. Soon this trio descends down towards the center of the earth.
The overall story is quite compelling. To star, the book is exciting because it is based on the hollow earth theory, which was a real theory at the time. It is very well written, easy to understand, and doesn’t overuse vocabulary like other classics (e.g. The Time Machine, Moby Dick etc.). This was most likely on purpose as the novel was intended for a younger audience; Thus it prioritized adventure and enjoyment over a deep story. These qualities make the book a great read for YA readers with a passion for science.
However, other readers may take issue with some of the book's shortcomings. First, while one the best things about the book is its extensive use of scientific detail, it can be overused at times, which makes the story drag. Second of all, the book lacks sufficient character development. For example, the protagonist Axel is basically the same person at the end of the novel vs at the beginning, in spite of the harrowing adventure he lives through. When the explorers run out of water, Axel falls into despair and loses his ability to help out. Much later, a similar episode plays out when the trio runs out of food, and Axel again falls into a similar state, indicating he has learned nothing. The static nature of the characters can make the book less enjoyable for more advanced readers.
Perhaps the most important aspect of the novel, and of Verne himself, was the legacy left behind. By targeting a younger audience, he was able to bring in younger generations into the science fiction community, thus helping to inspire a new generation of SciFi writers.
The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro is one of the most emotionally fascinating novels in modern literature. The novel is written with different layers that tell two very different stories, both done subtly and brilliantly.
Our story begins with Stevens, an English butler who is nearing the end of his career, just as his master, Lord Darlington, passes away. Based on the recommendation of his new master, he takes a road trip around the English countryside to visit an old friend, the former housekeeper at Darlington Hall. During his journey Stevens reminisces about his years serving Lord Darlington, who he describes as a “great” man. It is clear that Stevens had a strong sense of loyalty to Darlington. However, as the story unfolds, we can see buried in his memories, a much darker and depressing truth about the man he served. As Stevens slowly comes to his senses, he begins to realize how he wasted his life through mis-placed loyalty.
What makes me love this book is the existence of a deeper layer to the story just below the surface. Ishiguro accomplishes this by using a variety of methods. The first is by using an unreliable narrator. In the start, Stevens seems trustworthy. However as the book continues we begin to see him as unreliable, often deluding himself in lies and refusing to acknowledge the truth. Masterfully, Ishiguro keeps the most important details in the background. For example, when Stevens describes hosting guests from Nazi Germany, Stevens focuses entirely on his service as a butler, but ignores his master's choice of bringing them there in the first place. Finally, the side characters play an important role as a reality check. One example is the conversation with Reginald Cardinal, who tells Stevens that Darlington is a pawn of the Nazi’s; unsurprisingly, Stevens does not believe this and is puzzled. Since everyone around him realizes what is going on, the side characters become a voice of reason.
In The Remains of the Day, the reader is entirely led by Stevens and as a result is able to join his emotional journey from blind loyalty to the realization of the truth.
This piece of literature went on to win the Booker Prize of 1989 and was adapted into a film. Ishiguro later won the Nobel Prize in Literature, which solidified him as one the greatest authors.
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